Descending and ascending pyelography is an examination of the urinary system that is performed only in a few cases. It is an invasive test that may cause serious complications, e.g. urinary tract infection. Check what are the indications for a pyelography, what is the procedure and what complications it can lead to.
Pielographyis an invasiveexamination of the urinary systemwith the use of X-rays and a contrast agent. It allows the visualization of the abnormalities of the ureter and the renal calico-pelvic system. Depending on the route of administration of the contrast agent, there aredescendingandascending .
Pyelography - indications and contraindications for examination
Diyography is performed when other imaging tests do not allow the doctor to make a final diagnosis or are not available.
Contraindications for the test are allergy to the contrast agent (possible anaphylactic reaction) and pregnancy.
Descending pilography - what is it?
First,percutaneous nephrostomyis performed, i.e. the kidney is punctured through the skin. The patient lies down on the table of the X-ray machine. Then he is given local anesthesia and the kidney is visualized in imaging tests. Only then can the doctor puncture it in order to introduce a nephrostomy catheter into the calico-pelvic system (this is the transition from the kidney parenchyma to the ureter). After being introduced inside the kidney, it wraps in a characteristic loop, the so-called pig tail, thanks to which its position is stable. Then you can proceed to the proper examination, i.e. administration of a contrast agent through the catheter and taking X-rays.
Ascending pilography - what is it?
Ascending diography is performed when it is not possible to visualize the pelvis or ureter with other examinations. It consists in inserting (of course under local anesthesia) a ureteral catheter, i.e. a thin, flexible, plastic tube, into the lumen of the ureter along its entire length (the so-calledurinary bladder catheterization ). Then the doctor slowly gives the contrast and checks the degree of filling the system on the monitor screenurinary. Then he takes a series of x-rays.
ImportantPyriography - complications can be urinary tract infections
After ureteral catheterization, the patient is obligatorily administered antibiotics to prevent bacterial infection, but the urinary tract infection may nevertheless occur. If, after the examination, you develop fever and serious problems with urination, and you develop hematuria, see your doctor as soon as possible, as these are symptoms of infection.